President’s Perspective

Finishing Strong And Looking Ahead

Stacy DeFoor, AAEA Board President

As we approach the final stretch of the academic year, we are charged with balancing the dual responsibilities of closing out the spring semester and setting the stage for a successful year ahead. May is a time of celebration—honoring student achievements, recognizing the tireless work of teachers and staff, and reflecting on the progress made throughout the year. It’s also a crucial time for leadership to set a positive tone, ensuring that the last few weeks are purposeful, productive, and anchored in a strong finish.

Now is the perfect moment to prioritize connection. Whether it’s through student celebrations, staff appreciation events, or open communication with families, finishing the year with a strong sense of community reinforces trust and morale. Leaders can model gratitude and resilience by publicly acknowledging efforts, addressing challenges with transparency, and emphasizing the importance of every role in the success of the school. A positive, united close to the year helps everyone carry momentum into the summer.

At the same time, May is ideal for laying the groundwork for summer planning. Begin with reflective conversations: What worked well this year? What can be improved? Use both data and feedback from staff, students, and families to shape your vision. Start early in identifying professional development opportunities, curriculum updates, and strategic initiatives. Whether it’s tackling challenges from our ATLAS assessment data, strengthening school culture, or refining instructional practices, intentional planning now leads to smoother implementation in August.

As we wrap up the school year, take time to recharge and refocus—but don’t lose sight of your leadership impact. Arkansas schools thrive when leaders are present, proactive, and purpose-driven. Let’s finish strong, celebrate well, and step into summer with clarity and intention. Our schools—and our students—deserve nothing less.

If you don’t have it on your calendar, our AAEA summer conference is July 28th-30th. There will be fantastic keynote speakers as well as a variety of breakout sessions to enhance your knowledge and skills. Registration is open!